Giant Zucchini Boats Mediterranean Beef Feta

Quick Hook

What to make with a giant zucchini was my first thought. I had one from a neighbour. This Giant Zucchini turned into a showstopper.

It became my Mediterranean Beef & Feta stuffed zucchini dream.

The flavor is salty, bright, and herby. Lemon and feta cut the richness. A crunchy breadcrumb cheese top seals the deal. Oh my gosh, the aroma felt like summer supper.

Brief Overview

This dish draws from simple Mediterranean roots. Think coastal flavours, rustic and honest.

Difficulty is medium but doable. Active prep is about 25 minutes. Total time is bold 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes for roasting and resting.

Yields four large boats, serving three to four. Great for family dinner zucchini recipes. Serve with an arugula salad or lemony couscous.

One stat to tempt you. A giant courgette can weigh over 2 pounds. That feeds a small gathering easily.

Main Benefits

Zucchini is almost all water. It keeps the dish light. Combined with beef and feta, you still get solid protein.

This is perfect for summer dinners and potlucks. Use it as summer squash main course ideas or a hearty veggie dishes option. It also joins well with Zucchini Spaghetti Recipe Healthy sides.

What makes it special is smart use of the scooped flesh. You cook it into the filling. It cuts waste and boosts texture.

This stuffed zucchini boats recipe balances tang, umami, and crunch. The topping nods to classic zucchini boats with feta and breadcrumbs.

I once overstuffed a boat. It exploded slightly in the oven. Lesson learned: don’t overpack. Also, sweating the scooped flesh prevents sogginess. That little trick saved the texture.

This is flexible too. Swap beef for lamb for a Mediterranean beef and feta stuffed zucchini twist. Or try courgette recipes for oversized zucchini if you want vegetarian swaps.

Ready to make it? Grab your spoon and preheat the oven. Now, onto the ingredients.

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

If you’re asking What to make with a giant zucchini, this is it. I once found 1 giant zucchini (about 2 3 lb / 900 g 1.4 kg) on my porch. I made boats.

For the zucchini

• 1 giant zucchini (about 2 3 lb / 900 g 1.4 kg) , washed
• 1 tsp fine salt (5 g) to sweat
• 1 tbsp olive oil (15 ml) for brushing

For the filling

• 1 lb ground beef (450 g) , 80/20 preferred for flavor
• 1 cup diced tomato (240 g) fresh or 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) drained
• Reserved scooped zucchini flesh 1½ 2 cups (200 300 g)
• 1 medium onion (~150 g) , diced
• 2 cloves garlic (6 g) , minced
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (60 g)
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta (55 g)
• 1 large egg (50 g) optional
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (15 ml) , 2 tbsp parsley (8 g)
• 1 tsp dried oregano (1 g) , 1 tsp ground cumin (2 g) optional

For the topping

• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan (35 g)
• 2 tbsp breadcrumbs (20 g)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (15 ml)

Quality notes: pick 80/20 beef for juiciness. Use ripe tomatoes for depth. Choose crumbly, salty feta not waxy blocks.

Seasoning Notes

Go classic Mediterranean. Oregano, parsley, and lemon are essential. Add cumin and red pepper flakes sparingly. They echo the filling without overpowering.

Want more oomph? Add a splash of balsamic or a pinch of smoked paprika. Short on feta? Use goat cheese or ricotta. No breadcrumbs? Use crushed pita or ground almonds.

Essential combos: oregano + lemon + feta. Garlic + onion + tomato are non-negotiable. For a lighter twist, think Zucchini Spaghetti Recipe Healthy vibes.

These boats join veggie dishes and family dinner zucchini recipes easily.

Equipment Needed

Essentials only.

• Large baking dish ( 9x13 in / 23x33 cm )
• Heavy skillet ( 10 12 in / 25 30 cm )
• Spoon or melon baller to scoop
• Cutting board and chef’s knife
• Mixing bowl

Household alternatives: use a rimmed baking sheet for fewer boats. A large frying pan works instead of a heavy skillet.

No thermometer? Look for bubbling filling and golden topping. Fun fact: giant courgette recipes need sweating because the squash is about 95% water .

Trust me, you don’t want soggy boats.

Cooking Method

I still remember my first huge harvest. Oh my gosh, it was a monster. Giant Zucchini stared at me from the garden.

Fun fact: zucchini is about 95% water . That matters when you cook. It keeps things juicy. But it can also make a mess.

Prep Steps

• Do your mise en place. Chop onion, garlic, tomatoes, and herbs. Crumble feta . Scoop zucchini flesh.
• Save time by sweating the shells. Sprinkle with salt and rest 10– 15 minutes . Pat dry.
• Organize pans, baking dish, and spoon. Line the dish now.
• Safety note: always handle raw meat on a separate board. Wash hands and surfaces.

step-by-step Process

1. Preheat oven to 375° F ( 190° C) .
2. Halve the Giant Zucchini and scoop into boats. Reserve flesh.
3. Brown 1 lb ground beef in a hot skillet. Add onion and garlic. Cook until soft.
4. Stir in chopped zucchini flesh and tomatoes. Season with oregano and cumin.
5. Mix in breadcrumbs, crumbled feta, egg, parsley, and lemon. Fill the boats.
6. Top with Parmesan and breadcrumbs. Drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil and bake 30– 40 minutes .

Visual cues matter. Boats are done when the shells are fork tender. Topping should be golden. Filling bubbles at the edges.

If using ground meat, ensure internal temp reaches 160° F ( 71° C) . Always check temperature for safety.

Pro Tips

• Sweat the scooped flesh. It prevents soggy zucchini boats.
• Toast breadcrumbs first. You get extra crunch and nuttiness.
• Common mistake: overstuffing the boats. Leave room for browning.
• make-ahead: prepare filling up to 24 hours earlier. Refill and bake later.

Honestly, this Mediterranean beef and feta stuffed zucchini is a winner. It answers the question: What to make with a giant zucchini? Try it as a main for family dinner zucchini recipes.

It pairs well with a lemony orzo. Want a lighter twist? Try a Zucchini Spaghetti Recipe Healthy on the side.

This stuffed zucchini boats recipe is rustic, satisfying, and perfect for courgette recipes for oversized zucchini.

Serving suggestions that sing

If you're wondering What to make with a giant zucchini, this is it. I used to panic every summer. My garden would give me three at once.

Gardeners joke one zucchini can feed an army.

Serve these Mediterranean beef and feta stuffed zucchini as a main. Pair with a peppery arugula salad. Or offer lemon herb couscous or orzo to soak juices.

For lighter nights, try a Zucchini Spaghetti Recipe Healthy on the side. Kids love scooping the filling. Honestly, it feels like a proper family dinner zucchini recipe.

Storage tips that actually help

Cool the boats completely. Store in an airtight container. Refrigerate up to 3 days . Reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 15 20 minutes .

If using a microwave, cover loosely and heat in short bursts.

Freezing works, but with caveats. Freeze baked boats for up to 2 months . Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Re-crisp the topping under the broiler for a minute.

Variations you’ll want to try

Vegetarian swap: use cooked quinoa, chickpeas, and sautéed mushrooms. Add tahini for richness. gluten-free option: replace breadcrumbs with almond meal.

For lamb lovers, go full Mediterranean. Try Mediterranean beef and feta stuffed zucchini with mint.

Seasonal swaps: summer tomatoes are fresh and bright. In winter, use a drained can of diced tomatoes. If you find a courgette recipes for oversized zucchini moment, try using summer squash.

Zucchini boats with feta and breadcrumbs work with yellow squash too.

Nutrition basics, quick and useful

Per serving, expect about 480 calories. You get plenty of protein and fiber. This is a great veggie dish with real substance.

The beef provides iron and zinc. Zucchini gives vitamin C and potassium. It’s a solid choice among veggie dishes and summer squash main course ideas.

Final thought: try this stuffed zucchini boats recipe next time. It’s rustic, bright, and forgiving. You’ll feel proud. Trust me, even your grumpy aunt will ask for seconds.